A Vintage-Inspired Fall Photo Session in the South Jersey Forest

There is something undeniably magical about autumn in South Jersey. The forests transform into a golden wonderland where leaves drift softly through the air and the light falls in warm, romantic tones. It feels timeless, the kind of backdrop that was made for a vintage-inspired photo session filled with beauty, nostalgia, and childlike wonder.

The kids are just having a blast!!!!

Recently, I had the joy of photographing three siblings in a dreamy vintage fall photo shoot that blended elegance with play. The oldest sister, around twelve, wore a delicate pink dress that caught the glow of the late afternoon sun. She carried herself with the quiet grace of someone just beginning to step into young adulthood while still radiating the sweetness of childhood.

Her younger siblings brought a storybook charm to the session, dressed in vintage-inspired attire that looked as though it belonged to another era. The eight-year-old, with thoughtful eyes and a classic ensemble, felt like a character lifted from the pages of a treasured novel. The youngest, just four years old, stole hearts in her vintage outfit, her laughter echoing through the trees as she played among the leaves.

What made the session truly unforgettable was how the forest itself seemed to rise to the occasion. Rich amber tones, soft beams of sunlight, and the gentle hush of the woods created a canvas where these children’s personalities could shine. They played, they laughed, they explored, and in every fleeting moment, the timeless elegance of childhood was beautifully preserved.

This session was more than portraits. It was an heirloom in the making. The combination of vintage attire and the breathtaking South Jersey forest backdrop created imagery that feels both classic and enchanting, photographs that will never lose their beauty no matter how many years pass.

Fall is a season that invites us to slow down, breathe deeply, and treasure the fleeting moments before winter arrives. A child-friendly vintage photo shoot is the perfect way to celebrate this magical time of year while creating memories that are as enduring as the autumn landscape itself.

Looking to plan a fall mini session for your family?

Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, Mainline, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.

A Timeless Santa Portrait Experience

Santa sessions have always been a little different around here.

They’ve never been about rushed visits, bright lights, or children being asked to perform on cue. Instead, each session is designed to feel calm, believable, and full of quiet holiday magic — the kind that settles in gently and stays with children long after the season has passed.

Studio Santa magic at its finest! These two were all smiles during their visit—filled with laughter, joy, and a little holiday mischief. It’s moments like these that make the season unforgettable.

From the moment families arrive, the pace slows. The setting feels warm and familiar, filled with soft light, natural textures, and thoughtful details that feel more like a storybook than a set. Children are invited to engage in their own way — whether that means bursting with excitement, whispering wishes, or taking a quiet moment to warm up.

A first Christmas to remember! This little one lit up the studio with the sweetest smile during their magical Santa session. Pure joy—and maybe a few jingles.

Some of the most meaningful moments happen in between the smiles: a baby discovering Santa for the first time, siblings sharing laughter, or a quiet pause as Santa reads a story and the room seems to hold its breath. These are the moments that can’t be rushed — and shouldn’t be.

Making holiday memories together! This sweet family of four brought so much joy and warmth to the studio Santa session—moments like this are what the season is all about.

Santa sessions with Shooting Star Photography began years ago in my cozy studio, where families created some of their most treasured holiday memories. The location may evolve, but the heart of the experience has always remained the same: meaningful interaction, gentle guidance, and space for genuine connection.

That intention continues today.

Big smiles and holiday cheer! This sweet girl couldn’t stop grinning during her special visit with Santa—pure Christmas magic in the studio.

Each session is approached with patience and care, allowing children to lead the experience rather than being directed through it. Whether a child is eager to chat or prefers to observe quietly, the goal is always the same — to preserve the moment exactly as it unfolds.

Pure holiday laughter! These boys couldn’t stop giggling with Santa—capturing the fun and magic of the season in every smile.

Laughter, mischief, and a little Santa magic! These brothers brought the energy and joy to their studio session—and Santa was totally here for it.

Santa portraits aren’t just about photographs. They’re about capturing a fleeting season of childhood — a time when belief feels real, wonder comes easily, and the world is still filled with possibility. Long after the magic fades, these images remain as a reminder of how special those years truly were.

Brotherly joy on full display! These two lit up the studio with their laughter and smiles—making holiday memories that mom and dad will treasure forever.

Storytime with Santa! These boys were all ears as Santa shared a magical holiday tale—moments like this bring the true spirit of Christmas to life.

If you’d like to learn more about how Santa portrait sessions are thoughtfully designed and offered each season, you can explore the full Santa experience here.

With warmth & wonder,
Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, Mainline, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.

Why New Jersey Lavender Sessions Are Pure Magic

There’s something unmistakably special about lavender season in New Jersey.

Soft blooms, soft smiles — this close-up captures the gentle magic of childhood and the charm of New Jersey’s lavender farms in full bloom.

The soft purple rows, the warm summer breeze, the way everything seems to slow down just a little — it creates a setting where childhood feels especially vivid. During one recent lavender session, a golden-haired little girl twirled through the blooms in a soft pink dress, laughter drifting through the field as sunlight danced around her. It felt less like a photo session and more like a moment pulled straight from a storybook.

Twirl-worthy moments in a sea of lavender — this is what summer magic looks like at our NJ lavender mini sessions.

That’s the beauty of lavender sessions.

These portraits aren’t about posing or perfection. They’re about letting children explore, move, and exist in a space that feels magical without trying too hard. Lavender fields offer a calm, dreamy backdrop that allows personality to shine — whether that looks like spinning through the rows, pausing quietly to take it all in, or breaking into spontaneous giggles as the breeze catches a dress just right.

Spinning through lavender like a storybook come to life — moments like these are what our New Jersey lavender sessions are all about.

Styling plays an important role in these sessions, helping create a cohesive, fine-art feel while still allowing children to be comfortable and themselves. Soft textures, flowing dresses, and thoughtful details elevate the experience without overwhelming it — the goal is always to complement the moment, not distract from it.

A quiet moment of wonder — she paused, took it all in, and reminded us why childhood is pure magic in the lavender fields of New Jersey.

Lavender fields are especially well suited for children’s portraits because of their natural rhythm. There’s space to wander, light that shifts gently as the sun lowers, and an atmosphere that encourages curiosity rather than control. The result is imagery that feels organic, emotional, and timeless.

Golden hour glow and the sweetest smile — this little one brought the sunshine to our South Jersey lavender photo session.

These sessions are offered during a very short window each year, when the fields are in bloom and the light is just right. They’re part of a seasonal rhythm — fleeting by nature — which is exactly what makes them so meaningful. Like childhood itself, lavender season doesn’t last long, but the memories created there do.

If you’re drawn to soft, story-driven portraits that celebrate childhood in an honest and artistic way, you can explore more of my children’s fine art portrait work here.

Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, Mainline, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.

Collage of a young blonde girl in a pink dress playing in a lavender field during a New Jersey mini session by Shooting Star Photography.

🌸 Why Spring Flower Field Portraits Feel Like Pure Childhood Magic in South Jersey

Spring in South Jersey has a way of arriving softly — blossoms opening almost overnight, golden light stretching longer into the evenings, and kids suddenly twirling instead of shivering. It’s the season that feels like a deep breath after winter, and it’s exactly why spring flower field portraits remain some of my most requested sessions every year.

There’s something about flowers in bloom that instantly turns a moment into a memory. Add a flowing dress, warm light, and space to move freely, and suddenly the images feel less like “photos” and more like pages from a storybook.

A Season That Never Stays Long Enough

Spring flowers are fleeting by nature. Cherry blossoms drift away in days, tulips peak and disappear, and wildflower fields change week by week. That short window is what makes these sessions feel so special — they can’t be rushed, repeated, or recreated later.

A vibrant spring portrait of a young girl in a red dress twirling joyfully amid blooming daffodils and cherry blossoms in Philadelphia. The image captures the essence of spring with playful movement, bright colors, and a soft, magical glow.

Each spring session is shaped by what nature is offering at that exact moment:

• Early April brings soft cherry blossoms and pastel light

• Late April into May welcomes tulips and orchard blooms

• May into early June opens into wildflower meadows glowing at golden hour

No two seasons ever look the same, and that’s part of the magic.

What Spring Flower Sessions Feel Like

These aren’t stiff, posed portraits. They’re slow, relaxed, and intentionally playful.

Kids wander. Dresses catch the breeze. Parents watch their children light up when they realize they get to be themselves — twirling, laughing, picking flowers, or simply standing quietly in the glow of spring.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s connection.
The kind that feels real when you look back years from now.

Styled, But Still Natural

Spring flower portraits are fully styled, but never overdone. Gowns are chosen to move beautifully with the landscape. Colors are kept soft and timeless. The focus stays on childhood, not trends.

Every session is designed to feel:

• Whimsical, not staged

• Elegant, not costume-like

• Emotional, not forced

The result is fine art imagery that still feels honest — the kind you want hanging on your walls, not tucked away on a hard drive.

A Favorite Season for Families (and Mommy & Me)

Spring is especially meaningful for:

• Mommy & Me portraits

• Milestone birthdays

• Sisters and cousins together

• Families craving something lighter and more organic after winter

It’s also a season where kids tend to relax quickly — the weather is comfortable, the space feels open, and nothing feels rushed.

Where These Sessions Take Place

Spring flower portraits are photographed in carefully chosen locations across South Jersey, with occasional sessions in Philadelphia when blooms align. Each location is selected for light, privacy, and how it photographs — not just what looks pretty in person.

Fields, orchards, and blooming landscapes are treated as part of the story, not just a backdrop.

Holding Onto Spring a Little Longer

Spring always moves faster than we want it to. Flowers fade, kids grow, and seasons shift before we’re ready. These sessions exist to slow it down — just a little — and preserve what this season felt like.

If spring flower portraits speak to you, you can explore current availability and seasonal offerings here:

(That page will always have the most up-to-date details.)

Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, Mainline, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey

Peony & Motherhood Moments: A Spring Portrait Experience in New Jersey

A Soft, Story-Driven Mommy-and-Me Portrait Session

Spring in New Jersey has a way of slowing everything down — especially when peonies are in bloom.

These sessions are part of my seasonal portrait offerings, created for mothers who want something quiet, meaningful, and timeless. Add a blooming peony field, soft natural light, and a mom soaking in a fleeting season with her baby, and you have a portrait experience that feels as beautiful as it is personal.

Why Mommy-and-Me Portraits Matter

There’s something incredibly powerful about documenting motherhood as it is — not staged, not perfect, just real.

Mommy-and-me sessions are about connection:

• the way a baby curls into their mother

• the quiet smiles

• the tiny hands reaching for comfort

A peony field offers the perfect backdrop for these moments. The blooms are soft and romantic without stealing focus, allowing the emotion between mother and child to stay front and center.

What These Sessions Feel Like

There’s no pressure here.

Babies can stay close, explore a little, or simply take everything in. Moms don’t need to perform — just be present. Some moments are playful, others quiet, and all of them are honest.

Even when a baby is more interested in the flowers than the camera, those unscripted interactions often become the most meaningful images of the session.

Styling with Intention

Wardrobe for these sessions is designed to feel:

• soft

• feminine

• comfortable

I guide moms toward pieces that complement the peonies and photograph beautifully without feeling overdone. The goal is always to help you feel confident and at ease — because when you feel good, it shows.

A Fleeting Season Worth Remembering

Peonies bloom briefly, much like the season of early motherhood itself.

These portraits aren’t about trends or perfection. They’re about honoring a moment in time — one that passes quickly but deserves to be remembered gently and beautifully.

Interested in seasonal portrait experiences like this?
Learn more about spring and floral sessions on the Seasonal Portraits page.

Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, Mainline, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.